Broadcast Networks Europe (BNE) – the trade organisation for terrestrial broadcast network operators for radio and TV in Europe – has welcomed the key commitments in favour of terrestrial broadcasting from the Parliament, the Council and the Commission in the political agreement announced ahead of the final UHF Band decision:

• TV broadcasting will retain priority in the sub-700 MHz band for the foreseeable future, i.e. at least until 2030;
• A realistic calendar for migrating existing users from the 700 MHz is adopted, targeting 2020, but acknowledging some Member States may need until 30 June 2022;
• Measures to support the transition for the sector and for consumers, including the possibility for Member States to compensate migration costs related to the reallocation of the spectrum.

“The 250 million DTT viewers who appreciate free-to-air television expect that the leading television distribution platform in Europe will continue to compete and innovate,” commented BNE Chairman Olivier Huart. “We are now confident that the final legislation will provide the regulatory certainty to make that happen. Policy makers have recognised the popularity of digital terrestrial television and its value to the European audiovisual market, and have acted accordingly.”

Other posts by Colin Mann:

1. Analysis: SVoDs drive $220bn content spend
2. A TikToking clock heading towards regeneration – or not?
3. European pay-radio: Getting ready

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, Business, FTA, Policy, Regulation, Spectrum